New York Daily News – by Glenn Blain
ALBANY — A city Human Resources Administration worker and his wife were charged Tuesday with stealing more than $225,000 in government welfare benefits.
State investigators said Omar Jaata, a 42-year-old Bronx resident and an HRA employee since 2010, used his position to create multiple bogus accounts and obtain nearly $143,000 in food stamp benefits.
Jaata’s wife, Nyima, 37, also failed to disclose her husband’s employment with the city and underreported her own income when she sought benefits, allowing her to steal $82,000 in food stamp and Medicaid benefits, officials said.
“The theft of welfare benefits meant for New York families most in need is egregious at any level, but these defendants’ actions, particularly with the husband’s position as a public employee entrusted with administering these funds, makes this case particularly abhorrent,” said State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott. “In essence, Mr. Jaata’s unfettered access at HRA enabled him to simply distribute taxpayer funds at a whim.”
Omar Jaata was charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
Nyima Jaata was charged with two counts of theft of government funds. She was released without bail.